Be advised, or as some say FULL disclosure, I am a professional bike mechanic have been for many years, I am also part owner in the store where I work, Outdoor Addictions. And like any shop we market ourselves on the web on social media and through other means. This blog is not about promoting my business, however most but not all of the gear I use, I acquire through my shop and most but not all I have paid for, granted usually through a "pro" deal, occasionally sales representatives have given me free product (so far I have received none since starting this blog, if I do I will note that in any review of said product). The products I use and really like will be reviewed here, also if I am ever asked to review a product that will also be done here and will be noted in the review.
Keep in mind the gear I like has worked well to fulfill MY needs under the conditions I USE IT in MY CLIMATE to MY COMFORT LEVEL, your experience may be different.
For a well written article on the pitfalls of product reviews go here.
Mont Bell Thermawrap Vest
I have owned this vest for a long time, possibly over 15 years and until I got my Rab Xenon Hoodie, this was always along for the ride, lately not so much. And that is a shame it has served me very well, it is light, warm and bomb proof, and deserves to be back in the mix, no will be back in the mix. Because in fact it is excellent under a rain shell with a wool base layer in Spring, Summer, and Fall as an emergency layer when something goes wrong.
We do not sell Mont Bell products at Outdoor Addictions. I paid for this vest.
Surly Knard 29X3 Tire
I have been using the Knard's for over two years now and despite all I read about cuts, no traction etc. I cant say i agree. I have access to all other tires but can't see any reason to change at this point. Our trails here on Vancouver Island are rough, rooty and rocky and my Knards have held up well. They roll very fast on gravel and pavement and over all stick well in most trail conditions. Honestly and I know this comment will not be popular, I think many riders complaining about the Knard need to look at their ability as a rider and stop using the tire as the scape goat for their inability.
I think the knard is a great tire, at 175# i typically run 10.5 psi in summer and 9 ish psi in wet conditions.
We do sell Surly product at Outdoor Addictions. I pay for my tires.
Rab Xenon Hoodie
My safety net, goes on ALL trips and long rides during Fall, Winter and Spring. compact, light, warm even when wet, fast drying and surprisingly durable. The only negative is the shiny garbage bag appearance of the fabric. I have rode and slept in this jacket in Winter curled up on the beach during a summer night, it is very good.
We do sell Rab products at Outdoor Addictions. I paid for my jacket.
Bontrager Chupacabra 29x3 Tire
The best "Plus" tire for mountain biking, and for me has replaced the Knard for trail use, for touring I still use the Knard, it just rolls a bit better. Hit a dirt ribbon though and the goat eater hold on where the Knard cant, is lightweight more durable and still rolls quite well in fact I can only tell a difference on pavement. The down side is price, but then all "Plus" tires are stupid expensive in Canada.
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